There is hope at the end of the rainbow...life can be beautiful again! I have married a wonderful man and rebuilt my life. Things were not always champagne and roses. After a 16 year marriage, my X's affair painted my world gray. After years of rebuilding where I learned to paint my life in warm hues with splashes of silver and gold...I am truly living again!!! This is my story-these are my thoughts of building the life I always wanted.

Sunday, June 24, 2012

My first wedding anniversary with The Man is tomorrow. It’s hard to believe that it has been twelve
months since we stood hand-in-hand amongst flowers and friends sharing our
hearts and committing ourselves to each other.
Looking back, I see a perfect day—one that expressed our hearts
completely. We had no traditions for the
sake of traditions – no hiding behind ceremony and pomp…..it was The Man and Me
proclaiming our vows in a very vulnerable and dynamic way…with moments that
twelve months from now I am still savoring!

It was a long journey getting from broken heart to fullness
of life—it wasn’t easy! I spent many a
night with a box of Tagalongs, a bottle of wine, and Under the Tuscan Sun. The Man pursued me with 80’s music I had
never heard of, quotes from G. K. Chesterson, and through his love of
cooking. We danced and we sang (actually
he sang) and we debated everything from the Easter Bunny to music to whether or
not dill should go in his Serbian salad.
Our hearts intertwined through mutual respect and joy.

How easy it would have been to miss each other……

I have written many times about the importance of a List—you
know, a thoughtful list of the type of person you would like to share your life
with. Dating is one big job
interview---seriously….you are looking at the person, their interactions,
personality and character traits to see if you are a good match. If you can’t describe in detail the person
you want to be with, how will you know if you find them?? We like to think that there is a big “aha”
moment when we meet the “one.” The truth
is, sometimes our own dysfunction gets in the way of reality.

Consider this: when
one gets divorced, ideally, she will take time to look inside herself and grow
and change to be a healthier person. Many
people take years to unpack their issues – either on their own or in counseling
to move to a better place in their lives.
They begin to see the differences inside themselves and start
considering a serious relationship.
Sticking Point: if you choose the
wrong person, you don’t have a chance to take off the training wheels and use
the lessons you have learned to have a healthy relationship-----you go right
back into CrazyVille and that train ain’t stoppin for nobody. It is easier to find the wrong person than
the right person…….time always tells……and the wrong person can make anyone
crazy!!!!

So back to my list and my butterflies….. Here is my list and here is the proof that I
am a very, very lucky girl!!!

Passionate about God – this fits Veso to a tee……he eschews
“religion” for the real deal----and lives his life as a person compassionate to
others, giving and generous and seeks Truth.
This is something I appreciate so much about him!!

Passionate about a cause.
What I am learning is that it doesn’t have to be MY cause that he is
passionate about – this one actually made me smile tonight.

Nice Dresser – seriously, it may seem shallow, but I want to
be able to look across the room and think, “dang, my man looks
awesome!!!.”

Has close friends - this is a must for me!

Attentive – This may be my favorite thing about him!!!!

Hangs back a bit….a watcher – After being with someone for
many years who resented anyone who stole the limelight from him, I wanted to be
able to shine on my own at times and not be resented for it. This was essential for my heart! I needed a man who measured his words and let
others speak and who was perceptive of those around him. V is so secure in who he is that he doesn't have to prove his worth by dominating conversations....he is generous in his listening to others. He wants to get to know people on a real level and get beyond the surface.

Sweet – Check!

Wants to grow – How refreshing it is to be with a person who
is ever improving and ever learning. It
inspires me to do the same!!!!

Athletic – OMG – check!! I adore his soccer-man
bootie!!! J

Makes things happen – check!

Close to his family – quite honestly, this was so, so, so
important to me. I love my family and I
could never be with someone who was ambivalent towards theirs. V is a good son, a good brother and a very
good dad. I adore this about him!

Engages with other people – For a long time, I watched The
Man on the soccer field—observing how he interacted with others and how they
reacted to him. He truly engages with
other people, encourages them, asks them about their lives and laughs…..I love
his laugh!!!

Entreprenurial, Professional – check!

Likes Art, Music, Food, and Travel – Blessed am I that he is
passionate about all these things!!!!!!

Has a list of things he wants to accomplish – check…..not a
written out list, but he has a loose plan for sure!

Positive outlook – Very much so!!

Reads – He is a true truth seeker and is constantly reading
and learning.

Likes to Dance – Hooray!!!!!!!!!! He is an 80’s dancing machine!!!!

Spontaneous – Way more than me for sure!!!

How lucky am I to have found someone who completely fits the
bill!! It doesn’t matter how “nice” they
are or how “cute” they are or how many butterflies they put in our insides….. they have to be right for you. My list is not your list….my priorities are not your priorities….. what matters
is being focused on the type of partner you need in life and becoming a good
partner yourself.

I feel quite blessed that The Man and I crossed each other’s
paths and that we stopped long enough to realize that we were indeed a good fit…….
Had we not paid attention, we would have missed it. He is the love of my life….a partner in the
truest sense. He sees me----really “Sees”
me and gives me the confidence to be even More “Me.”